World Series of Poker Circuit
Coming to Harrah's New Orleans

The 5th Annual Bayou Poker Challenge May 9, 2008 - May 21, 2008

Free Giveaways & Special Room Rate
Planned for Poker Players at Harrah's New Orleans

Big Turnout Expected for Fifth Annual Bayou Poker Challenge

New Orleans, LA (March 18, 2007) - The world's largest and most prestigious poker tournament series is returning once again to Harrah's New Orleans. For the fifth consecutive year, the south's premier gaming spot will be hosting the World Series of Poker Circuit. The Harrah's New Orleans Bayou Poker Challenge will take place from May 9-21, 2008. This year's schedule includes 15 major tournaments, as well as multiple satellites and around-the-clock cash-game action.

Although the official tournament does not begin until May, poker players can still compete for a seat in the $5,000 buy-in main event as early as April 1st. On that special day, Harrah's New Orleans will give away 40 single-table satellite entries free-of-charge by random drawing. This means that any poker player inside the room can win a single-table satellite voucher and go on to take a seat in the main event valued at $5,150, where players will compete for a prize pool expected to exceed a million dollars.

That same day, 21 free super-satellite entries will also be awarded to players. Winners will receive a voucher (valued at $550) and will play in a special super-satellite event to be held on April 27. That day, registration opens at 9 am and the tournament starts at 11 am. So, a player could conceivably win a huge cash prize without having to pay a single dollar! Last year's main event winner took home $516,000 for first place. No, this is not an April Fools joke. But it will happen on April 1.

In cooperation with Harrah's New Orleans, the Hilton Riverside Hotel is now offering a special rate for tournament participants at $95 per night. To make a room reservation, please call the Hilton New Orleans Riverside at 1-800-HILTONS and ask the special rate code: HAR. The Hilton Riverside Hotel is located directly across the street from the casino. Rooms are expected to go fast so make reservations now.

The Bayou Poker Challenge attracts both amateurs and professionals. To date, amateur players have won in each of the first four main events. In past years, this tournament has attracted poker superstars including Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Dan Harrington, Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Gavin Smith, Phil Gordon, and many others.

For more information about the Bayou Poker Challenge, please call 504-533-6578 or visit www.harrahsneworleans.com. The complete tournament schedule follows:

Harrah's New Orleans Bayou Poker Challenge May 9, 2008 - May 21, 2008

A World Series of Poker Circuit Event

Date Event # Tournament
Buy-In

May 9, Friday 1 No Limit Hold'em $500+$50
May 9, Friday Mega Sat. 6PM $500+$50
May 9, Friday No Limit Hold'em 10PM $300+$40
May 10, Saturday 2 No Limit Hold'em $500+$50
May 10, Saturday Mega Sat. 6PM $500+$50
May 10, Saturday No Limit Hold'em 10PM $300+$40
May 11, Sunday 3 No-Limit Hold'em $500+$50
May 11, Sunday Mega Sat. 6PM $500+$50
May 11, Sunday No-Limit Hold'em 10PM $175+$25
May 12, Monday 4 No-Limit Hold'em $500+$50
May 12, Monday 5 Pot Limit Omaha-Re-buys 3PM $500+$50
May 12, Monday Mega Sat. 6PM $500+$50
May 12, Monday No Limit Hold'em 10PM $175+$25
May 13, Tuesday 6 No Limit Hold-em $300+$40
May 13, Tuesday 7 7 Card Stud 3PM $300+$40
May 13, Tuesday Mega Sat. 6PM $500+$50
May 13, Tuesday No-Limit Hold-em 10PM $175+$25
May 14, Wednesday 8 No Limit Hold'em $500+$50
May 14, Wednesday 9 Limit Hold'em 3PM $500+$50
May 14, Wednesday Mega Satellite 6PM $500+$50
May 14, Wednesday No Limit Hold-em 10PM $175+$25
May 15, Thursday 10 No Limit Hold'em $1000+$80
May 15, Thursday 11 No Limit Hold'em 3PM $500+$50
May 15, Thursday Mega Sat. 6PM $500+$50
May 15, Thursday No Limit Hold-em 10PM $175+$25
May 16, Friday 12 No Limit Hold'em $500+$50
May 16, Friday Mega Sat. 6PM $500+$50
May 16, Friday No Limit Hold'em 10PM $300+$40
May 17, Saturday 13 No Limit Hold'em $1000+$80
May 17, Saturday Mega Sat. 6PM $500+$50
May 17, Saturday No Limit Hold'em 10PM $300+$40
May 18, Sunday 14 Ladies No Limit Hold'em $200+$30
May 18, Sunday Mega Satellite Day $500+$50
May 19, Monday 15 Circuit Championship (3 days) $5000+$150
May 20, Tuesday Day #2
May 21, Wednesday Day #3-Final Table-2:00pm

All Events are two-day events except Events 5, 7, 9, 11 and the Ladies High Heel-No Limit Event.

Single table satellites:

Every day - 24 hours a day

Mega Satellite Day: May 18
1 p.m. $500 + $50
4 p.m. $500 + $50
8 p.m. $500 + $50

3% of the total prize pool will be withheld for tournament staff for each event

For information on WSOP Events: please call 504-533-6578 or visit www.harrahsneworleans.com

To book a $95 per night room reservation for the 2007 May WSOP, please call the Hilton New Orleans Riverside at 1-800-HILTONS and ask for rate code: HAR

More about Harrah's New Orleans

Harrah's New Orleans is operated by a subsidiary of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada nearly 70 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions. Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

Rachel Douglas